A Toast to The Arts

Flat Rock Playhouse in Western North Carolina

Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with Flat Rock Playhouse on Big Blend Radio's "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast.
In this special episode, we spotlight the history and future of Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina. Located just minutes frm Hendersonville and just 30 miles south of Asheville, the area is also home to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, plus boutique shops, art galleries, breweries, and local eateries.
Our featured guests Lisa Bryant and Christy Souther share the inspiring story and scenic setting of the Playhouse, its beloved summer camps and youth education programs, and an exciting lineup of 2025 shows, including:- Cats- Beautiful: The Carole King Musical- The Play That Goes Wrong- Murder on the Orient Express- Autumn at The Opry- Yellow Brick Joel: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John- John Lloyd Young: Broadway’s Jersey Boy- A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Plan your visit and learn more at https://www.flatrockplayhouse.org/  
As always, this episode features Steve & Karen Wilson, aka “Mr & Mrs Wild,” innkeepers of the Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast, a beautifully restored pink Victorian in Asheville’s Montford Historic District. Discover their spring and summer getaway specials at  https://www.lion-rose.com/  
🎙️ Big Blend Radio’s Adventures in Asheville airs every first Tuesday on the Big Blend Radio Network. Follow the show on PodBean:  https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 
🎧 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s other podcast channels including "A Toast to The Arts" and "Big Daily Blend." Explore our full podcast network at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Karen F. Uhlmann - Intersections Novel

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “A Toast to The Arts” Show, we’re joined by award-winning writer Karen F. Uhlmann who discusses her powerful debut novel, "Intersections," releasing May 6, 2025, through She Writes Press. 
Based on a true story, "Intersections" explores themes of guilt, grief, and moral dilemma through the lives of two strangers connected by a tragic hit-and-run accident.
When suspended police officer Ed Kelly and fashion influencer Charlotte Oakes witness the same fatal crash that kills a young child, their lives begin to intertwine at the scene of the crime. As Ed searches for the truth, Charlotte harbors a chilling secret: she suspects her own daughter may be the driver responsible. The novel builds toward a riveting decision—will Charlotte protect her child, or do what’s right?
Karen shares the inspiration behind "Intersections," her writing journey, and how real-life events helped shape the emotional depth of this suspenseful, character-driven literary fiction.
Karen holds an MFA in fiction from Bennington and has earned prestigious accolades including the 2016 Rick Bass/Montana Prize for Fiction and the 2012 Northern Colorado Writers Award. Her work has appeared in respected literary journals such as Southern Indiana Review, Story, Whitefish Review, and The Common. She was recently shortlisted for the 2024 Lascaux Fiction Prize.
Learn more about Karen F. Uhlmann and her work: https://www.karenuhlmann.com 
🎧 Listen & subscribe to the podcast: https://toast-the-arts.podbean.com 

Celebrating the World of Creativity

May the Fourth Be With You! In honor of Creative Beginnings Month—and with a nod to Star Wars Day—this inspiring Big Blend Radio panel discussion encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace creativity in all its forms.
Our special guests share how they launched their careers and reflect on the power of creative expression in music, writing, travel, food, business, and art. From award-winning authors and travel writers to branding experts and singer-songwriters, this lively conversation is a celebration of fresh starts and imaginative journeys.
🎙️ Featured Guests:Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning singer-songwriter and cohost of Big Blend Radio’s "Big Daily Blend."  https://hearjohnny.com/    
Jo Clark – Travel writer, photographer, and host of Jo Goes Everywhere podcast.  https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ + https://recipestravelculture.com/ 
Barbara Redding – Award-winning travel writer, photographer, and former journalist. https://barbararedding.com/ 
Jeffrey Spear – Graphic designer, branding expert, food writer, and author.  https://spearwrites.contently.com/ + https://www.studiospear.com / 
Matt Cost – Prolific author of history and mystery novels, with a background in education.  https://www.mattcost.net/ 
🔗 Related Reads & Interviews Mentioned in the Episode:Jo Clark’s Sonoma Sidecar Adventure: https://recipestravelculture.com/exciting-time-in-sonoma/ 
Jeffrey Spear’s Book Interview on "My Life in Gluttony": https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/jeffrey-spear-my-life-in-gluttony/ 
Matt Cost’s Latest Novel Interview on "The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed": https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/matt-cost-the-not-so-merry-adventures-of-max-creed/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" and "Success Express" shows. Explore more Big Blend Radio Network podcasts:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Artist Residency Programs in Hawai'i National Parks

Join this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show, featuring Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Tanya shares inspiring stories and insights about NPAF’s exclusive month-long artist residency programs at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui.
These fully supported residencies are open to artists of all disciplines — including painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, composers, musicians, writers, and more — offering a unique opportunity to live and create while surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Hawaii’s national parks.
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/  📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating 8+ years of creative collaborations in national parks.
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio Network’s "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows.📲 Subscribe: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Success Insider with Author Mike Nemeth

In this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio's Success Insider series, we chat with award-winning author Mike Nemeth, whose five compelling novels—A Tissue Full of Lies, Defiled, The Undiscovered Country, The Two Lives of Eddie Kovacs, and Parker’s Choice—have earned accolades in Southern Fiction, Romantic Mystery/Suspense, and Diverse & Multicultural Mystery/Suspense.
A former tech executive turned full-time author, Mike's work explores the provocative theme that morality and legality are not always aligned, challenging readers to think critically in an increasingly secular world. His writing has been featured in The New York Times, Georgia Magazine, Southern Writers’ Magazine, Deep South Magazine, and more.
🔗 Read Mike’s answers to our 10 Success Insider Questions:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/author-success-insider-with-mike-nemeth/ 📚 Explore his books and author journey:  https://mikenemethauthor.com/ 📲 Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Songs That Tell Stories

Join us for a special National Tell a Story Day episode of Big Blend Radio’s BIG DAILY BLEND Show, featuring musician, producer, and cohost Joey Stuckey! From emotional instrumentals and heartfelt folk to energetic classic rock and storytelling country tunes, we dive into the world of music that tells stories.
Don’t miss our curated Songs That Tell Stories Spotify playlist here: https://tinyurl.com/yymew7md. 
Joey Stuckey, known as the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia, the “Southern Rock Capital of the World,” is an award-winning blind guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer. Learn more about Joey and his inspiring musical journey at https://www.joeystuckey.com/. 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s popular channels: "Toast to The Arts" and "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll." Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork. 

Author Matt Cost - The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts" Podcast featured acclaimed author Matt Cost who discusses the first installment of his new series, "The Modern-Day Chronicles of Max Creed." 
Max Creed is a fictional person created to bring justice to those wronged by the ultra-wealthy in a world where the law overwhelmingly favors those with money and power. He is bound only by the laws of humanity and not those of the legal system.
A breathless thrill ride that will keep your heart pounding long after the last page is turned, "The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed" is out now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Merry-Adventures-Max-Creed-ebook/dp/B0F3K8RD8L 
Learn more about Matt, his books and writing at https://www.mattcost.net/ 

Author J.E. Weiner – “The Wretched and Undone”

In this compelling episode of Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by acclaimed debut author J.E. Weiner to discuss her haunting Southern Gothic novel, “The Wretched and Undone.” Set in the mysterious Texas Hill Country, this genre-defying tale blends real historical events, personal supernatural encounters, and a bold reimagining of the Western and Texas Noir genres—lifting silenced voices and illuminating long-buried truths.
🖋️ J.E. Weiner is a Northern California-based writer and novelist whose powerful storytelling bridges Southern Gothic, grit-lit, and historical fiction. Her manuscript for The Wretched and Undone was a 2024 Killer Nashville Top Pick and Claymore Award Finalist for Best Southern Gothic.
📚 In this episode, we explore:- The real-life supernatural experiences that inspired the novel- The art of blending genres like Texas Noir, Southern Gothic, and Western fiction- The historical underpinnings and cultural influences behind "The Wretched and Undone"
🔗 Connect & Learn More:Visit https://www.jeweiner.com to discover more about J.E. Weiner’s writing.
🎙️ This episode is featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Way Back When” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the full Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork